[superxor]

When you talk about self-defense, even here in India one is allowed to own a gun if he gets a license. It's not impossible to own a gun here, it is just more regulated. That way not every Tom, Dick and Harry can own a gun.

Criminals can get hands on weapons in one or the other way. But giving every one a gun because they have to defend themselves from some criminals is not a good solution. It's better to work towards a better Law and order system.

And, don't make statements like 'You are wrong'. These are issues our and your forefathers have been trying to solve, there is still no absolute right/wrong yet.

[maratd]

> But giving every one a gun because they have to defend themselves from some criminals is not a good solution.

Actually, it's an excellent one. It creates a disincentive to committing crimes. If there's a higher chance of getting your head blown off while robbing someone, you're less likely to rob someone. It's that simple.

In fact, that's how things have worked for thousands of years up until guns show up. Who ever heard of sword control? For some reason, governments all around the world are now busy trying to restrict your property rights. A truly sad state of affairs.

[TomGullen]

Sword control and gun control is a terrible comparison.

Replace the guns with swords in crime, do you think equal numbers of people would die? Obviously not, guns are far more easy to kill with, less physically demanding and ranged.

With a sword pretty much everyone has a good chance of running away, a massacre isn't really possible.

[harshreality]

Then why did Australia and the UK ban swords?

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/08/1078594297517.h...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7331099.stm

[TomGullen]

Probably because they thought they were dangerous as well? Guns are unarguably MORE dangerous than swords though.

[thaumasiotes]

> Who ever heard of sword control?

Anyone in a sword-based society? Legal restrictions on sword ownership weren't exactly rare.

Just for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_hunt

[refurb]

If you want to carry a gun in the US, you need to go through a background check and there is often a training requirement as well (regulations vary by state, with AK and VT requiring no permit to carry a concealed handgun).

One problem with "regulations" is that they become very restrictive and then only the elite are able to obtain them. NYC is a great example. If you have a lot of money or sway with the mayor's office, no problem, here is your CCW. If you're just a regular joe? Sorry, not gonna happen.